Transfer APK-Files from a smartphone to a Xiaomi TV (be it Mi) TV, Redmi Smart TV The problem is not the lack of methods, but the variety of them - each method has its own nuances: from the limitations of Android TV installation of third-party applications to the features of the file system MIUI TV. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of transmission in 2026. APK, including bypassing locks and solving common errors.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi Android TVs (such as Mi TV Q2 or Redmi Smart Fire TV) block app installations from unknown sources by default, which means that even after transferring the APK, it will have to be unlocked in the security settings. We’ll describe this process in detail for each model. If you have a Mi Box S or Mi Box 4K console, the algorithm will be simpler – these devices are more loyal to third-party files.
Before you start, check:
- 📱 Android version on TV (in Settings) → It's about television. It's about supporting the methods.
- 🔌 Type of connection: whether your TV port USB-A or USB-C (You'll need an adapter).
- 🌐 Wi-Fi: Telephone and TV must be on the same local area network for wireless methods.
Transfer APK through USB-The storage device (the most reliable method)
Using a flash drive or external hard drive remains the most versatile method, as it does not depend on the version of Android TV and does not require an Internet connection. However, there are pitfalls here: some Xiaomi TVs (especially the models of 2020-2022) do not support NTFS and work only with FAT32 or exFAT.
Step-by-step:
- Format the flash drive in FAT32 (if the APK weighs less than 4GB) or exFAT (for files larger than 4GB).
- Connect the flash drive to the phone through OTG-adapter and copy it to it. APK-file.
- Put the drive in USB-TV port (usually located on the side or back).
- Open the File Manager app on TV (if not, install it via Google Play).
- Find the APK and try to install it. If you see an error "Installation locked", go to Settings → Security → Unknown sources and allow installation for File Manager.
The flash drive is formatted in FAT32/exFAT
APK-file copied to the root of the drive
USB-The TV port is good (check on another device)
In the settings TV Installation from unknown sources is permitted-->
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall (e.g. Mi) TV 4A or Mi TV 4X) The file manager may not be in the standard set, in which case install it in advance through Google Play or use an alternative transfer method.
2. Wi-Fi transmission via Send Files to TV
Send Files to TV (available on Google Play) allows you to transfer files directly over the local network without using cloud services, a method suitable for Xiaomi TVs on Android TV 9.0 and later, including Mi TV Q1E and Redmi Smart TV X.
How it works:
- 📲 Install Send Files to TV phone-to-telephone.
- 🔄 Run the app on both devices and select Send on your phone and Get on TV.
- 📂 Choose. APK-file on your smartphone and wait for the transfer to be completed.
- 📦 After transfer, open the file through the File Manager on the TV.
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| No cables required. | Need to install third-party software on TV |
| High transmission speed (up to 10 MB/s) | Does not work on older Xiaomi models (until 2019) |
| Supports files of any size | Requires connection to one Wi-Fi network |
⚠️ Note: If after transmission APK not installed, check if the settings of the TV are enabled by the developer mode (Settings) → On TV. → Build number – press 7 times.This will unlock additional options for installing applications.
3. Use of cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)
Cloud storage is convenient because it does not require physical connection of devices, but for Xiaomi TVs this method is not always suitable: for example, Mi TV Stick does not have a browser for downloading files, and built-in Google Drive may not be.
Algorithm of action:
- Download. APK-file in Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk from a smartphone.
- Generate a public link to the file (in Google Drive, click "Share → Copy Link").
- On your TV, open a browser (such as TV Bro or the built-in Mi Browser) and paste the link.
- Download APK and install it through the File Manager.
💡
If your TV doesn’t have a browser, install it via Google Play. For models without the Play Market (such as some versions of the Mi TV 4S), use the USB or ADB method.
Comparison of cloud services for APK transfer:
| Service | Speed. | Limitations | Is it good for Xiaomi TV? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | Medium | I need authorization. | Yes (there's an embedded app) |
| Mi Cloud | Tall. | Limitation of 5GB | Yes (optimized for Xiaomi) |
| Yandex.Disk | Low. | There is no official TV app for TV | Partially (only via browser) |
4. Transmission via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on the Xiaomi Mi TV 5 Pro with the APK locked installation), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the TV to a PC, but allows you to bypass most restrictions.
Instructions:
- Download ADB Tools to your computer.
- Turn on the Developer Mode on the TV: Settings → About TV → Build Number (click 7 times).
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
- Connect. TV PC-only USB-cable and execute the command: adb install path to file.apk
What if ADB can’t see the TV?
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It resets some of the security settings on the TV. APK It is recommended to disable debugging by USB, to avoid vulnerabilities.
5. Alternative methods: Bluetooth and Mi Share
Less popular, but working ways:
- 📶 Mi Share (built-in Xiaomi feature): allows you to transfer files between Xiaomi devices over Wi-Fi Direct. TV A2 To take advantage of this, activate Mi Share in the notification curtain on your phone and TV. Select a file APK on your smartphone and send it to the TV. TV and install the file.
Bluetooth
- Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
- Connect your phone to your TV (in the Settings menu → Bluetooth).
- Send APK as a regular file.
Most Xiaomi TVs run on ARM, but some models (such as the Mi Box S) use x86.